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Knocked-Out Tooth: |
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Handle the tooth carefully, holding it by the crown (the part you chew with), not the root. |
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Gently rinse the tooth with water only if it's dirty. Do NOT scrub it or remove any tissue fragments. |
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If possible, try to re-implant the tooth in its socket. Gently push it back into place, making sure it's facing the right way. Bite down gently on a soft cloth to hold it in place. |
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If you can't re-implant the tooth, store it in milk or a special tooth-saving solution (available at most drugstores). Water is a less ideal, but acceptable, option. |
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See a dentist immediately! The sooner the tooth is re-implanted, the better the chance of saving it. |
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Severe Toothache: |
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Rinse your mouth with warm water. |
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Gently floss to remove any food particles that may be trapped. |
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Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. |
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If swelling is present, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. |
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See a dentist as soon as possible. |
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Significant Bleeding: |
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Apply firm pressure to the bleeding area with a clean gauze pad for 20-30 minutes. |
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If the bleeding doesn't stop, seek immediate medical attention. |
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Swelling: |
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Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. |
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See a dentist or go to an emergency room immediately. Swelling can indicate a serious infection that needs prompt treatment. |
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Broken or Fractured Tooth: |
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Rinse your mouth with warm water. |
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If possible, save any broken pieces of the tooth. |
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Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. |
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See a dentist as soon as possible. |
Nobody wants to think about a dental emergency, but knowing what to do can make a huge difference in the outcome and potentially save your tooth! It's important to understand what constitutes a dental emergency and how to handle it until you can get professional help. Let's break down some common situations and the immediate steps you should take.